Wall mounted fiber splice enclosure

ABSTRACT

An optical fiber organizer includes a plurality of optical fiber trays. Each tray has a top side for holding a fiber. Each tray has a hinge portion. The tray carrier has a plurality of sockets. Each socket is capable of receiving the hinge portion of a respective tray. Each tray has a first position on the tray carrier. The trays are stacked parallel to each other when the trays are in the first position. Each socket has an associated first detent, including a first boss below the socket, for maintaining its respective tray in the first position. Each socket has a second-position detent, including a second boss above the socket, for maintaining its respective tray in a second position about 90 degrees from the first position. The top side of one of the trays is exposed when at least one of the trays is in the second position. The hinge portion of the tray has a hole capable of receiving either the first boss or the second boss. The hinge portion of the tray has a pair of ramps adjacent the hole, for guiding either the first or second boss of the tray carrier to the hole. The tray carrier includes: a first stop for preventing the tray from rotating beyond the first position, and a second stop for preventing the tray from rotating beyond the second position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to telecommunications equipment generallyand more specifically to enclosures for optical fibers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Optical fiber communication networks have gained wide acceptance inplace of the use of electrical cable systems, due to the significantlyenhanced bandwidth capabilities of optical fiber and its immunity toelectromagnetic and radiomagnetic interference. Very significantadvantages are achievable by the use of optical fiber rather thanelectrical conduction media Nevertheless, a continuing problem with thedeployment of optical fiber systems is providing a method to terminateoptical fiber cables so as to make electrical or optical connections tofibers within the cables while providing adequate environmentalprotection and allowing for easy installation.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,913,522, 5,155,794 and 5,602,954 to Nolf et al., andU.S. Pat. No. 5,249,253 to Franckx et al. are expressly incorporated byreference herein in their entireties. These patents describe anenclosure for a butt splice of optical fiber cables.

FIG. 1 of the present application shows FIG. 10b of the above-identifiedNolf patents. The enclosure includes a base plate 1 and a dome-shapedcover (not shown), which together form a hollow article for use as abutt splice case for optical fibre cables 13. Outlets (not shown) areprovided in the base 1 through which the cables 13 pass.

The hollow article contains an optical fibre organizer 30 whichcomprises a series of trays 5. Each tray includes means 6 foraccommodating splice tubes (not shown) which house fibre splices (notshown). The trays 5 are held in an orderly fashion on a carrier 7 whichis fixed to the base 1. The trays are hinged along their short edges.The hinging allows chosen trays to be exposed for insallation or therepair of the splice, etc.

The use of round closures is ideal for applications in which the closureis buried, because the round closure is capable of withstandingextremely high pressures.

The above-described design of fiber trays for a round closure does,however, have disadvantages. For example, the fiber slack in the roundclosure must be placed below the fiber trays, so the trays must be movedto access the fiber slack.

Alternative closure designs with more convenient fiber access aredesired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an assembly including an enclosure having afirst side capable of being mounted on a wall, and a ledge on a secondside opposite the first side. A first optical fiber tray has a top sidefor holding a fiber. A tray carrier is contained within the enclosure.The first tray is pivotally mounted on the tray carrier. The first trayhas a first position on the tray carrier that is suitable for storingthe first tray within the enclosure. The first tray is rotatable to asecond position in which a bottom surface of the first tray rests on theledge of the enclosure.

Another aspect of the invention is an assembly including an enclosurehaving a first side capable of being mounted on a wall. The assemblyincludes a plurality of optical fiber trays, each tray having a top sidefor holding a fiber . A tray carrier is contained within the enclosure.Each tray is pivotally mounted on the tray carrier. Each tray isrotatable to a first position that is suitable for storage in theenclosure with the trays parallel to and stacked upon each other. Eachtray is rotatable to a second position. The top side of one of the traysis exposed when at least one of the trays is in the second position.

Still another aspect of the invention is a method of enclosing opticalfiber splices. The method includes mounting a fiber enclosure on a wall.A plurality of optical fiber splice trays are pivotally mounted in theenclosure, so that each tray is rotatable to a first position that issuitable for storage in the enclosure with the trays parallel to andstacked upon each other.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a conventional fiber tray organizersystem.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a first exemplary fiber enclosureincluding a fiber tray organizer system according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the tray carrier shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the tray carrier shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the tray carrier of FIG. 4, showingthe insertion of tray hinges on the carrier. The hinges are shown, butthe remainder of the trays 180 a-180 h are omitted from FIG. 5, solelyto simplify the drawing.

FIG. 6 is a detail of a portion of the tray carrier of FIG. 5, showingthe two alternate positions of the tray hinge.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a the base plate and tray carrier of FIG.2.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of one of the splice trays shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the base plate and tray carrier of FIG.2, with a slack cable tray attached beneath the locations of the splicetrays (not shown).

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing an interior of a secondexemplary fiber enclosure according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a rear cross-sectional view of the enclosure of FIG. 10,taken along section line 11—11 of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 2 shows a first exemplary fiber enclosure assembly 100 according tothe present invention. The enclosure assembly 100 includes a base plate110 and a generally dome shaped cover 120 (also referred to herein asthe enclosure). Enclosure assembly 100 is suitable for deployment inenvironrments requiring an air-tight, water-tight seal, and may bepressurized. The assembly 100 may be buried in the ground, or may bedeployed underwater or on a pole. The assembly 100 is sealed by a seal116, which may be a conventional o-ring. The seal 116 is placed on acylindrical collar 118 that fits inside the rim 124 of the cover 120.

The base plate 110 has an annular mating surface 119 that abuts acorresponding mating surface 122 of the cover 120 when the base plate110 is inserted into the cover. Once the two mating surfaces 119 and 122are placed against each other, a clamp, which may be a conventionalV-clamp (not shown) is placed over both mating surfaces to secure thecover 120 on the base plate 110. U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,489 to McCall etal. is expressly incorporated by reference herein for its teachings on aclamp suitable for use on fiber enclosures. A clamp as described byMcCall et al. may be used to clamp the enclosure assembly 100. A valve(not shown) is inserted in a valve port 126. Pressurized air can beintroduced into the enclosure assembly 100 through the valve.

The base plate 110 has a plurality of cable ports 112 (also referred toas cable receptacle tubes) on its exterior surface. The cable ports 112provide a means of attachment for cables (not shown) which containoptical fibers (not shown). The cable ports 112 may have a variety ofsizes for accommodating differently sized cables. To secure a cableusing one of the cable ports 112, the distal end of the cable port isremoved, using a blade, which may be a saw or a knife. A length of thesheathing is stripped from the end of the cable, exposing fibers. Asleeve of heat shrink tubing (not shown) is placed over the cable port112, and the cable/fibers are inserted through the sleeve and the cableport. The heat shrink tubing is heated to shrink the tubing and securethe cable to the cable port. A mounting flange 114 may be used to attachthe base plate 110 to a pole.

The base plate 110 has a fiber tray organizer 130 attached to itsinterior surface. The tray organizer 130 includes a tray carrier 131 anda plurality of fiber trays 180 a-180 h (Only trays 180 g and 180 h shownin FIG. 2). The tray carrier 131 has a mounting plate 132 with mountingholes 134, which may be used attach the mounting plate 132 to the baseplate 110 using fasteners 135. A diagonal bracket 136 is attached to themounting plate 132. Bracket 136 lies on a diagonal with respect to thebase plate 110, and with respect to the positions of the trays 180 a-180h mounted on the bracket 136. The trays 180 a-180 h have a plurality ofattachment sections 183 (shown in FIG. 8) into which optical fibersplices 182, connectors (not shown) or standard end fiber terminations(not shown) can be retained. A compartment is formed between a slackcable tray 184 (shown in FIG. 9) and the bottom fiber tray 180 h forstoring slack fiber. Optical fiber which is not being coupled within theenclosure 100 can also be stored within the compartment.

FIGS. 3-7 show the exemplary tray carrier 131. FIGS. 3 and 4 show thetray carrier 131 of the fiber organizer 130 standing alone. FIG. 5 showsthe tray carrier 131 with the hinge portions 160 a-160 h of the trays180 a-180 h inserted in the sockets 140 a-140 h. FIG. 6 shows anenlarged detail of the tray carrier 131 with tray 180 c installed. FIG.7 shows the tray carrier 131 mounted on the base plate 110.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the tray carrier 131 includes a bracket 136that includes a plurality of sockets 140 a-140 h. The bracket 136 isdiagonal to a plane in which the trays 180 a-180 h lie when the traysare in the first (horizontal in FIG. 2) position. A plurality ofextension members 150 a-150 i are attached to bracket 136. The members150 a-150 i are approximately perpendicular to the bracket 136. Eachmember 150 a-150 i has a pair of bosses, 156 a-156 i, respectively onboth sides of the extension member. The sockets 140 a-140 h and bosses156 a-156 i alternate with each other on the tray carrier 131.

According to an aspect of the invention, each fiber tray 180 a-180 h canbe placed in one of two detent positions, which are shown as horizontaland vertical positions in FIG. 2. Tray 180 h is in the first(horizontal) detent position, and tray 180 g is in the second (vertical)detent position. Once placed in either detent position, the tray remainsin that position until a force is applied to move the tray. The detentsallow the trays to be placed in the desired position without using anexternal fixture (as shown in FIG. 1), and without inserting an externalstop, clamp or clip onto the assembly. By providing the two detentpositions, the tray organizer 130 allows any tray to be moved betweenthe first and second positions simply by applying a predetermined forceto the tray. It is unnecessary for any external mechanism to be applied

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4-6. In the exemplary embodiment, foreach individual socket 140 a-140 h, the first-position detent includes afirst boss 156 b-156 i, respectively, below the sleeve 144 a-144 h,respectively. Each socket 140 a-140 h has a respective second-positiondetent that includes a second boss 156 a-156 h respectively, above thesleeve 144 a-144 h of the socket 140 a-140 h. For example, as shown inFIG. 6, socket 140 c has a first position detent including a first boss156 d below sleeve 144 c and a second-position detent including boss 156c above sleeve 144 c of socket 140 c. The tray carrier 131 has aplurality of members 150 a-150 h on which respective bosses 156 a-156 hare located. Each diagonal member 150 a-150 h has one of the pluralityof sockets 140 a-140 h depending therefrom. The boss 156 a-156 h on themember 150 a-150 h from which a socket 140 a-140 h depends forms thesecond-position detent associated with that socket. Sleeves 144 a-144 hare formed within hooks 146 a-146 h depending from respective members150 a-150 h.

For each socket 140 a-140 h, the tray carrier 131 includes a first stop152 b-152 i respectively, below the sleeve 144 a-144 h For example,socket 140 a has a corresponding first stop 152 b, below sleeve 144 aThe first stops 152 b-152 i (below the sockets) prevent the trays 180from rotating clockwise beyond the first position (horizontal in FIG.2). Each socket 140 a-140 h has a respective second stop 152 a-152 habove the sleeve 144 a-144 h. For example, socket 140 a has acorresponding second stop 152 a, above sleeve 144 a. The second stops152 a-152 h prevent the trays 180 from rotating beyond the secondposition (vertical in FIG. 2).

The optical fiber organizer 130 includes a plurality of optical fibertrays 180 a-180 h. Each tray 180 a-180 h has a top side for holding oneor more fibers (not shown). Each tray 180 a-180 h has a hinge portion160 a-160 h, respectively. Sockets 140 a-140 h are capable of receivingthe respective hinge portions 160 a-160 h of respective trays 180 a-180h. Each tray 180 a-180 h has a first position on the tray carrier 131(the horizontal position in FIG. 2). The trays 180 a-180 h are stackedparallel to each other when the trays are in the first position. Thefirst position is suitable for storing the trays 180 a-180 h within theoptical fiber enclosure 120. Sockets 140 a-140 h have associatedfirst-position detents 156 b-156 i respectively, for maintainingrespective trays 180 a-180 h in the first position. Sockets 140 a-140 hhave associated second-position detents 156 a-156 h, respectively, formaintaining respective trays 180 a-180 h in the second position (thevertical position in FIG. 2). For example, socket 140 a has afirst-position detent 156 b and a second-position detent 156 a The topside of one of the trays 180 a-180 h is exposed when at least one of thetrays is in the second position. For example, in FIG. 2, the top side oftray 180 h is exposed.

In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second positions differ fromeach other in angle by about 90 degrees. Thus, when the fiber organizer130 is horizontal, the trays in the second position are vertical. Thisvertical position is both a stable position, and a position providingeasy access to the exposed fiber tray, and is thus preferred. Otherangles may be used. For example, the trays in the second position may bein any position that is at least about 45 degrees or more from the firstposition.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary tray 180 a. Trays 180 b-180 h may be similarto tray 180 a. The hinge portions 160 a-160 h of respective trays 180a-180 h pivot within sleeves 144 a-144 h. Hinge portions 160 a-160 hhave respective holes 164 a-164 h capable of receiving either the firstboss 156 b-156 i, below respective sleeves 144 a-144 h, or the secondboss 156 a-156 h above respective sleeves 144 a-144 h. For example, asshown in FIG. 6, the hinge portion 160 c of tray 180 c (in socket 140 c)has a hole 164 c capable of receiving either the first boss 156 d belowsocket 140 c or the second boss 156 c above socket 140 c.

The hinge portions 160 a-160 h of respective trays 180 a-180 h each havea pair of ramps 166 a-166 h and 168 a-168 h, respectively. The ramps 166a-166 h and 168 a-168 h are adjacent respective holes 164 a-164 h. Ramps166 a-166 h guide the respective second bosses 156 a-156 h of the traycarrier 131 to respective holes 164 a-164 h. Ramps 168 a-168 h guide thefirst bosses 156 b-156 i of the tray carrier 131 to respective holes 164a 164 h. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, hinge portion 160 c of tray180 c has a ramp 166 c for guiding the second boss 156 c into hole 164c, and a ramp 168 c for guiding the first boss 156 d into hole 164 c.

As best seen in FIG. 6, the diameter of the bosses 156 a-156 i is largerthan the diameter of the holes 164 a-164 h which the bosses engage.While one of the bosses 156 a-156 i is inside its respective hole 164a-164 h, a tilted edge of the boss rests on the edge of the hole.Consequently, when a force is applied to rotate the tray, the tiltededge guides the boss out of the hole, without shearing the boss off. Therespective sizes of the bosses 156 a-156 i and the holes 164 a-164 h maybe designed to adjust the amount of force required to move the tray 180a-180 h out of their detent positions. In the exemplary embodiment, thebosses 156 a-156 i and holes 164 a-164 h are sized so that a moment ofabout 10-14 inch-lbs. is required to move the tray away from its detentposition.

According to another aspect of the exemplary embodiment, as best seen inFIG. 5, a single boss 156 b-156 g acts as the first-position detentassociated with (and positioned below) a first one of the sockets 140a-140 g and as the second-position detent associated with (andpositioned above) a second one of the sockets 140 b-140 h, the secondsocket being adjacent the first socket. For example, boss 156 b acts asthe first-position (lower) detent for socket 140 a and as thesecond-position (upper) detent for socket 140 b. Similarly, boss 156 cacts as the first-position detent for socket 140 b and as thesecond-position detent for socket 140 c.

Although the exemplary detents include bosses 156 a-156 i on the traycarrier 131 and holes 164 a-164 h on the trays 180 a-180 h,respectively, the positions maybe reversed.

That is, the detents may include holes on the tray carrier 131 andbosses on the hinge portions of the trays. Further, other types ofdetent mechanisms may be used.

The tray carrier 131 includes a plurality of stops. Each socket 140a-140 h has a first stop 152 b-152 i for preventing the respective tray180 a-180 h received by that socket from rotating beyond the first(horizontal) position. Each socket 140 a-140 h has a second stop 152a-152 h for preventing the respective tray 180 a-180 h received by thatsocket from rotating beyond the second (vertical) position. For example,as shown in FIG. 6, socket 140 c has a first stop 152 d for preventingthe tray 180 c (including hinge portion 160 c) from rotating beyond thefirst position (shown in phantom), and a second stop 152 c forpreventing the tray 180 c from rotating beyond the second (vertical)position, shown in solid lines.

In the exemplary embodiment, the stops are protrusions 152 a-152 i.Stops 152 a-152 i are located at the proximal end of respectiveextension members 150 a-150 i. Stops 152 a-152 h have rounded corners154 a-154 h, respectively. Each socket 140 a-140 h is positioned betweentwo of the stops 152 a-152 h, so that the stops 152 a-152 i and sockets140 a-140 h alternate with each other.

According to another aspect of the exemplary embodiment, protrusions 152b-152 h act as the first stops associated with respective sockets 140a-140 g, and as the second stops associated with respective adjacentsockets 140 b-140 h. For example, protrusion 152 b acts as the firststop for socket 140 a (preventing tray 180 a from moving clockwise pastthe horizontal position), and as the second stop for socket 140 b(preventing tray 180 b from moving counter-clockwise past the verticalposition).

In the exemplary embodiment, each sleeve 144 a-144 h is included in ahook-shaped body 146 a-146 h of the socket 140 a-140 h and has asubstantially vertical surface 148 a-148 h at an end thereof Thevertical surfaces 148 a-148 g of respective sockets 140 a-140 g act asadditional second-position stops to limit rotation of respective trays180 b-180 h that have respective pivot pins 160 b-160 h inserted insockets 140 b-140 h. For example, vertical surface 148 a of socket 140 aacts as an additional second-position stop to limit counter-clockwiserotation of tray 180 b (which has pivot pin 160 b in socket 140 b, whichis adjacent to the socket 140 a).

The tray carrier 131 and trays 180 a-180 h may be formed from a varietyof materials, such as polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, ABS or otherflexible polymers.

In the exemplary embodiment, each socket 140 a-140 h has a respectivesubstantially cylindrical sleeve portion 144 a-144 h, a respectiveentrance portion 142 a-142 h connected to the sleeve portion, and aconstriction therebetween. The constriction is smaller than a diameterof the sleeve portion 144 a-144 h, and is smaller than the diameter ofthe pivot pins 162 a-162 h of the trays 180 a-180 h. A benefit of thisconstruction is that, once inserted in the sleeves 144 a-144 h, thetrays 180 a-180 h cannot easily work loose. However, force is requiredto insert the pivot pm 162 a-162 h past the constriction into the sleeve144 a-144 h of the socket 140 a-140 h.

Another aspect of the exemplary embodiment is a structure thatfacilitates the insertion of trays 180 a-180 h into the sockets 140a-140 h, respectively, while providing a snug fit to eliminate traywobbling.

FIG. 5 shows the structure and method for inserting trays 180 a-180 h inthe tray carrier 131. Trays 180 a-180 h have pivot pins 162 a-162 h,respectively. Each socket 140 a-140 h is capable of having the pivot pin162 a-162 h of a respective tray 180 a-180 h inserted therein andallowing the respective tray to rotate therein. The respective secondprotrusion 152 a-152 h proximate to and above each socket 140 a-140 h ispositioned so that the respective tray 180 a-180 h being inserted in thesocket 140 a-140 h acts as a class 2 lever. (A class 2 lever has thefilcrum on one end, the force on the opposite end, and the load in thecenter.) The respective protrusions 152 a-152 h act as the fulcrumns ofthe respective levers, to forcibly insert the pivot pins 162 a-162 h ofthe trays 180 a-180 h into their respective sockets 140 a-140 h byapplying a force on the trays. Each of the protrusions 152 a-152 h has arounded comer 154 a-154 h, where the hinge portion 160 a-160 h thatincludes the pivot pin 162 a-162 h contacts the protrusion.

For example, the socket 140 a is capable of having the pivot pin 162 aof tray 180 a inserted therein and allowing the tray 180 a to rotatetherein. Protrusion 152 a is proximate to and above the socket 140 a.The protrusion 152 a is positioned so that the tray 180 a acts as alever while being inserted in the socket 140 a, and the protrusion 152 ais a fulcrum of the lever (tray 180 a), to forcibly insert the pivot pin162 a into the socket 140 a by applying a force on the tray.

In this case, the fulcrum is the protrusion 152 a-152 h. The load is thepivot pin 162 a-162 h, which is being forced into the sleeve 144 a-144h. The force may be applied on any part of the tray 180 a-180 h. For thegreatest leverage and easiest insertion, the force is applied to thedistal end of the tray 180 a-180 h, farthest from the pivot pin 162a-162 h. The moment arm (normal distance) between the protrusion and thepivot pin in the socket is substantially less than a moment arm betweenthe protrusion and a portion of the tray on which the force is applied.As shown in FIG. 5, even if the force is applied at the near end of thetray 180 a-180 h, the moment arm between the protrusion and the pivotpin is substantially less than the moment arm between the protrusion andthe distal end of the hinge portion, where the hinge portion isconnected to the tray. Thus, even if the force is applied at theproximal end of the tray, substantial leverage is obtained.

FIG. 5 shows hinge portions 160 a-160 d in various stages during theinsertion process. Hinge portion 160 a is being introduced into theentrance 142 a of socket 140 a. The tray 180 a and hinge portion 160 aare held at a steep angle so the pivot pin 162 a can enter the socketentrance 142 a, and the leading edge of hinge portion 160 a slides underprotrusion 152 a.

Hinge portion 160 b has been inserted until the pivot pin 162 a reachesthe constriction between the entrance 142 a and sleeve 144 a. Therounded edge 154 b of protrusion 152 b facilitates insertion andprevents hinge portion 160 b from being nicked. A beveled edge 170 b ofthe hinge portion 160 b provides a clearance for the boss 156 b of thedetent mechanism. At this point, the clockwise rotation of hinge portion160 b begins.

Hinge portion 160 c is partially rotated. Force is applied on the tray180 c. The stop 152 c acts as a fulcrum and the force is magnified andapplied to the pivot pin 162 c over a small moment arm. The pivot pin162 c applies a force on the constriction between entrance 142 c andsleeve 144 c, causing the hook-shaped socket 140 c to open.

Hinge portion 160 d is completely rotated. The pivot pin 160 d iscompletely captured within sleeve 144 d. The protrusions 152 d and 152 eapply a coupled moment to prevent further clockwise rotation of the tray180 d. Pivot pin 162 d is now held snugly within the sleeve 144 d ofsocket 140 d. Once the tray is completely inserted in this fashion, thetray can be rotated between the horizontal and vertical positions.

A method for inserting an optical fiber tray 180 a into the tray carrier131 includes inserting a pivot pin 162 a of the optical fiber tray 180 ainto an entrance 142 a of a socket 140 a in the tray carrier. A force isapplied on the optical fiber tray 180 a, using the tray as a lever and afirst (upper) protrusion 152 a on the tray carrier 131 as a fulcrum ofthe lever. The optical fiber tray 180 a is rotated till the pivot pin162 moves from the entrance 142 a to a sleeve portion 144 a of thesocket 140 a The rotating is stopped when a hinge portion 160 a thatincludes the pivot pin 162 a contacts a second (lower) protrusion 152 bon the tray carrier 131. A detent 156 b is also engaged when the hingeportion 160 a contacts the second protrusion 152 b on the tray carrier131.

Once the pivot pin 162 a is in the sleeve 144 a, the user can rotate thetray 180 a in a counter-clockwise direction (opposite the clockwisedirection of rotation during insertion.) The counter-clockwise rotationis stopped when a hinge portion 160 a that includes the pivot pin 162 acontacts the first protrusion 152 a. A detent 156 a is also engaged whenthe hinge portion 160 a contacts the first protrusion 152 a.

A method for providing access to one of the optical fiber trays 180a-180 h includes providing a tray carrier 131 having a plurality offiber optic trays 180 a-180 h pivotally attached thereto, the trays 180a-180 h being stackable on top of each other and parallel to each other.A first one of the trays 180 b-180 h that is to be accessed is selected.A second one of the trays 180 a-180 g that is adjacent to and above theselected fiber optic tray 180 b-180 h is rotated to a (vertical in FIG.2) detent position. The second tray remains in the detent positionwithout attaching any additional retaining device to the second tray. Ifthere is more than one tray 180 a-180 g above the selected tray, thenall of the fiber optic trays that are above the selected tray arerotated until each rotated tray is in the detent (vertical) position.

When work on the selected fiber tray is completed, the trays above theselected tray are rotated back to a second (horizontal in FIG. 2) detentposition. The second detent position is the position in which the trays180 a-180 h are stackable on top of each other and parallel to eachother. The base plate 110, to which the tray carrier 131 is attached, isthen mounted on the fiber optic enclosure (cover) 120, so that theplurality of trays 180 a-180 h are stacked in parallel inside the fiberoptic enclosure 100.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a second exemplary fiber enclosure according to theinvention. FIG. 10 shows an improved fiber enclosure assembly 200suitable for mounting on a wall within a building. The assembly 200 isdesigned for environments in which the assembly 200 is not required tobe water-tight or air-tight. Thus, instead of an o-ring type seal,enclosure 200 may simply have a door (not shown) with a gasket (notshown), to keep dust from entering. Assembly 200 has a box-shapedenclosure 210, with substantially rectangular sides.

A tray carrier 131 is contained within the enclosure. The tray carrier131 has a bracket 132 capable of attachment to a back wall 213 of theenclosure 210 or directly mountable to a wall. The tray carrier 131 hasat least a first (bottom) tray 180 h pivotally mounted on the traycarrier. The first tray 180 h has a first position (vertical in FIGS. 10and 11) on the tray carrier 131 that is suitable for storing the firsttray 180 h within the enclosure 200. The enclosure 200 has a ledge 214on a second side opposite the first (wall) side. The first tray 180 h isrotatable to a second position horizontal in FIGS. 10 and 11) in which abottom surface of the first tray 180 h rests on the ledge 214 of theenclosure 200. The ledge 214 acts as a worktable to support the tray 180h. Each of the trays 180 a-180 g other than the bottom tray 180 h has arespective stop to prevent the trays from rotating past the secondposition.

Preferably, the assembly 200 includes a plurality of optical fiber trays180 a-180 h, each tray being pivotally mounted on the tray carrier 131.Each tray 180 a-180 h is rotatable to a first (vertical) position thatis suitable for storage in the enclosure with the trays parallel to andstacked upon each other. Each tray is rotatable to a second verticalposition.

The exemplary enclosure 200 preferably includes the same fiber traycarrier 131 described above with reference to FIGS. 2-9. Alternatively,other types of fiber tray carriers may be used inside enclosure 200.

The first tray 180 h may be an optical fiber splice tray or the like.The enclosure 200 includes at least one, preferably two open spaces 224beside the splice tray 180 h. The open space 224 is capable of storingslack fiber 227 on appropriate spools 226. The exemplary enclosure 200has spools 226 on both sides of the trays 180 a-180 h for storing slackfiber 227.

The exemplary enclosure has at least one (preferably two or more) cableports 212 on a bottom surface thereof. The cable ports 212 are attachedto a base plate (end cap) 211, which may be formed as a separate piece,or may be integral with the remainder of enclosure 210. Each cable port212 is adjacent to a respective one of the two open spaces 224 in whichthe slack fiber 227 is stored. Note that in FIGS. 10 and 11, the cableports 212 are on the bottom of the enclosure 200, but the mountingbracket 132 of the tray carrier 131 is mounted on the rear side of theenclosure 200. This differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 2-9, in whichthe cable ports 112 and mounting bracket 132 are on the same base plate110.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, the trays are parallel to the rear(wall) side of the enclosure when the trays are in the first (storage)position. One or more successive ones of the plurality of trays 180a-180 g can be rotated to the second (horizontal in FIG. 10) positionsimultaneously, so as to be parallel to and stacked upon the bottom tray180 h, while the bottom tray is in the second position, resting on theledge 214.

Preferably, in the tray carrier 131 of the wall mounted closure 210,each of the plurality of trays 180 a-180 h has a respective detent 156a-156 h to maintain the trays in the first (vertical) position forstorage, and a respective detent 156 b-156 i to maintain the trays inthe second (horizontal) position. In the exemplary embodiment thedetents include bosses 156 a-156 h above each socket 140 a-140 h, asdescribed above. Preferably, the tray carrier includes stops 152 a-152 hto prevent the trays 180 a-180 h from rotating past the first position.

An exemplary method of enclosing optical fiber splices according to theembodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11 includes mounting a fiber enclosure 210 ona wall; and pivotally mounting a plurality of optical fiber splice trays180 a-180 h in the enclosure 210, so that each tray is rotatable to afirst (vertical) position that is suitable for storage in the enclosurewith the trays parallel to and stacked upon each other. A further stepmay include resting a bottom surface of the bottom tray 180 h on a ledge214 of the enclosure 210 while the bottom tray is in the secondposition. Another step may include rotating at least a bottom one 180 hof the trays 180 a-180 h to a second (horizontal) position, so as toexpose the top side of a top one of the rotated trays when at least oneof the trays is in the second position. For example, trays 180 e-180 hmay be rotated to the horizontal position, so as to expose the top sideof tray 180 e. A further step may include storing slack optical fiber227 in the enclosure 210 on one or both sides of the plurality of splicetrays 180 a-180 h.

Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplaryembodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claimshould be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodimentsof the invention which may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly comprising: an enclosure having afirst side wall capable of being mounted on a wall of a building, theenclosure having a ledge on a second side wall opposite the first side;a first optical fiber tray having a top side for holding a fiber; and atray carrier contained within the enclosure, the first tray beingpivotally mounted on the tray carrier, the first tray having a firstposition on the tray carrier that is suitable for storing the first traywithin the enclosure, the first tray being rotatable to a secondposition in which a bottom surface of the first tray rests on the ledgeof the enclosure.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first tray isan optical fiber splice tray, and the enclosure includes at least oneopen space beside the splice tray, the open space being capable ofstoring slack fiber.
 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the enclosurehas two open spaces on opposite sides of the splice tray, each openspace being capable of storing slack fiber.
 4. The assembly of claim 3,wherein the enclosure has two cable ports on a bottom surface thereof,each cable port being adjacent to a respective one of the two openspaces.
 5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first tray is parallelto the first side of the enclosure when the first tray is in the firstposition.
 6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: the assembly includes aplurality of optical fiber trays, each tray having a top side forholding a fiber, each tray being pivotally mounted on the tray carrier,each tray being rotatable to a first position that is suitable forstorage in the enclosure with the trays parallel to and stacked uponeach other, each tray being rotatable to a second position, and thefirst tray is a bottom one of the plurality of trays.
 7. The assembly ofclaim 6, wherein one or more successive ones of the plurality of trayscan be rotated to the second position simultaneously, so as to beparallel to and stacked upon the bottom tray, while the bottom tray isin the second position.
 8. The assembly of claim 6, wherein each of theplurality of trays has a respective detent to maintain the trays in thefirst position.
 9. The assembly of claim 6, wherein each of theplurality of trays has a respective stop to prevent the trays fromrotating past the first position.
 10. The assembly of claim 6, whereineach of the plurality of trays other than the bottom tray has arespective detent to maintain the trays in the second position.
 11. Theassembly of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of trays has arespective stop to prevent the trays from rotating past the secondposition.
 12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the tray carrier has abracket capable of attachment to a back wall of the enclosure ordirectly mountable to a wall.
 13. An assembly comprising: an enclosurehaving a first side wall capable of being mounted on a wall of abuilding, the enclosure having a ledge on a second side wall oppositethe first side; a plurality of optical fiber trays including a firsttray, each tray having a top side for holding a fiber; and a traycarrier contained within the enclosure, each tray being pivotallymounted on the tray carrier, each tray being rotatable to a firstposition that is suitable for storage in the enclosure with the traysparallel to and stacked upon each other, each tray being rotatable to asecond position, the top side of one of the trays being exposed when atleast one of the trays is in the second position, a bottom surface ofthe first tray resting on the ledge of the enclosure when in the secondposition.
 14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the first tray is anoptical fiber splice tray, and the enclosure includes at least one openspace beside the splice tray, the open space being capable of storingslack fiber.
 15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein: the enclosure hastwo open spaces on opposite sides of the splice tray, each open spacebeing capable of storing slack fiber; and the enclosure has two cableports on a bottom surface thereof, each cable port being adjacent to arespective one of the two open spaces.
 16. The assembly of claim 13,wherein the trays are parallel to the first side of the enclosure whenthe trays are in the first position.
 17. A method of enclosing opticalfiber splices, comprising the steps of: mounting a fiber enclosure on awall of a building, the enclosure having a first side capable of beingmounted to a wall and a second side opposite the wall, the second sidehaving a ledge, and wherein the enclosure contains a plurality ofoptical fiber splice trays, said plurality of optical fiber splice traysincluding a bottom tray; pivotally mounting the plurality of opticalfiber splice trays in the enclosure, so that each tray is rotatable to afirst position that is suitable for storage in the enclosure with thetrays parallel to and stacked upon each other; rotating at least abottom one of the plurality of trays to a second position; and resting abottom surface of the bottom tray on the ledge of the enclosure whilethe bottom tray is in the second position.
 18. The method of claim 17,further comprising: storing slack optical fiber in the enclosure on atleast one side of the plurality of splice trays.